New grape variety promises to slash labour costs for growers
US grape breeder IFG said it is set to transform the raison market with a newly patented Dried on Vine (DOV) variety called IFG Rais-one.
DOV is a process whereby the grapes have been bred to reach a sugar-level point so that it naturally dries on the vine.
By growing DOV raisins, growers can cut down on labour-intensive processes such as cane cutting and potentially boost profits, resulting in increased sustainability and profitability for the industry.
Dustin Hooper, commercial manager for raisins at Bloom Fresh, said: “As labour costs continue to grow in California, it is vital that we take this into consideration when developing new varieties.”
The company bred several characteristics into the grapes so that the grapes would dry “just enough and in just the right way – not too much or too little,” he said.
Marthedal Farms farm manager Austin Hubbel added: “We have been testing IFG-Rais one for the past 36 months and the DOV process has shown incredible promise. For the first time in years, we are able to alleviate several arduous processes that used to take so much time and energy. Additionally, the quality of the IFG’s raisins will allow growers to stay competitive in an ever-changing world market.”
Image: Getty/Morsa Images
